When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks last season, they got yet another great ballhandler.
Since Dončić is such a ball-dominant player, this could become an issue for the rest of the Lakers team and their productivity on the court.
This problem could be solved by swapping one of their guards for a player who thrives more without the ball, just like Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton has in this hypothetical trade.
“Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves could be on the move after a career-best campaign in 2024-25. Rumors are swirling around the Lakers as the team looks to capitalize on their title window with LeBron James on roster,” Hutton said Monday.
“Moving a high-end asset like Reaves could help L.A. add a younger, developing player while filling a position of need, such as Keegan Murray.”
The final trade would send Austin Reaves to the Sacramento Kings and Keegan Murray, along with a 2027 first-round pick, to the Lakers.
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It has been rumored that the Kings are in desperate need of a point guard after trading away both Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox in the past three years.
Their search for one this offseason has been a failure, and their most recent attempt was at Russell Westbrook, who is far out of his prime and wouldn’t do much for a team that is trying to contend.
Reaves could be the perfect fit, as he has come into his own as a scorer and a playmaker over the past few seasons.
Meanwhile, Murray on the Lakers could be the perfect 3-and-D guy they need after losing Dorian Finney-Smith.
It isn’t very often that two teams in the same division come together to make a trade, but don’t be surprised if these two teams work something out to benefit both organizations.
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